The Goodwill Excel Center

For Erik Galindo, education has been more than a career, it’s been a calling shaped by a decade of diverse and impactful experiences. His journey began in the classroom, teaching biology for a year before spending four years as a physics teacher while also coaching football and track. But his drive to lead and make a broader impact quickly propelled him beyond the classroom and into leadership roles that would shape the rest of his career.

Education has always been a priority for Erik, both personally and professionally. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from UT Arlington. He recently defended his dissertation and is set to receive his doctoral degree from Texas Tech University on December 12th. This milestone reflects his dedication to continuous learning and growth.

As he approaches his one-year anniversary with the Excel Center in February, Erik reflects on what has made the journey so meaningful. “What I enjoy most about my job is running into students later in life and seeing them succeed and find happiness,” he shares. “That’s what it’s all about for me.”

His passion for education comes from a deeply personal place. Having experienced firsthand what it felt like to have teachers who didn’t listen to him as a student, he was determined to be the kind of educator who would make a difference in the lives of others. One of the skills that has been most valuable in his leadership journey is his ability to speak publicly. This talent allows him to connect with students, staff, and the broader community in meaningful ways.

From the classroom to campus leadership, Erik has built a career defined by resilience, growth, and a relentless belief in the potential of every student. His story is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t just change lives, it transforms futures.

After 28 years in the Texas education system, Jenny Capps decided to take an unexpected leap and retired in 2024, moving from Southeast Texas to the edge of the Arctic Ocean in Alaska. While she was there, she served as a principal in an Inupiat village. Immersed in a culture, climate, and community vastly different from anything she had ever known, she learned lessons about adaptability, humility, and human connection that continue to guide her today.

Upon returning to Texas, she felt called to continue serving students who often struggle behaviorally and may not always find understanding or support in traditional educational settings. Her passion lies in reaching those whose actions sometimes conceal deeper needs, challenges, or potential. Through her work with Excel at the Stiles Campus, she has found what she calls her true home, a place where she can meet students where they are and help them realize how capable they truly are.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Jenny doesn’t hesitate. “Being an advocate and a ‘light’ for our students,” she says. “To many, we are their peace and a safe place free of judgment. We’re here to encourage, support, and help them grow academically, socially, and personally.” She finds joy in watching students accomplish what they once believed was impossible, describing the pride on their faces as “hope in action.”

Her inspiration to enter education came early. “My 5th grade teacher, Glenda Lucia, changed my life,” she shares. “I have spent my life being for others what she was for me.” That legacy of influence continues in her own leadership. She believes the most valuable skill in her role is “the ability to see beauty in everything around me,” explaining that she has always been able to see the good in people, a gift that shapes how she leads, teaches, and mentors.

Through her unwavering commitment, compassionate leadership, and faith in the potential of every person she serves, Jenny continues to embody what it means to lead with heart.